After a long wait, Linux users can finally use the Steam Client on their favorite open sourced operating system. Linux users can download the free Steam client from the Ubuntu Software Center right now. Steam for Linux client is fully compatible with Steam's Big Picture mode, which allows users to play games on their high definition television sets using a controller. At launch the client supports around 50 Linux compatible games including Counter-Strike 1.6, Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life, Team Fortress 2, and more.

"The introduction of Steam to Ubuntu demonstrates growing demand for open systems from gamers and game developers," said Ubuntu developer Canonical's director of consumer applications David Pitkin. "We expect a growing number of game developers to include Ubuntu among their target platforms. We're looking forward to seeing AAA games developed with Ubuntu in mind as part of a multi-platform day and date release on Steam."

Hopefully with the release of this client more developers who want to sell games via Steam will see the value in developing games for Linux as well.

On a related note Valve is offering a 50 - 75 off sell all week long on select Linux-based games. You can find out more about that here.